Video: Geico Skytypers cruise over Lake Michigan before Milwaukee Air & Water Show

I had never truly appreciated Milwaukee's lakefront until I sailed over it at 1,200 feet aboard the Geico Skytyper SNJ2 -- an aircraft used in the 1940s to train World War II soldiers for single seat Mustang fighters.

The ride lent itself to an up-close-and-personal view of the city. The pilot flew with the cockpit open at 135 mph. And while the aircraft welcomed its share of jostles, shakes and full-body thrusts while cruising over Lake Michgian, the unforgettable airborn performance stirred up ample excitement for the fleet's debut at the Milwaukee Air & Water Show this weekend.

At one point, 15,000 SNJ2s existed in the world but now there are only 11. The airshow team performing tomorrow and Sunday owns six, said Steve Kapur, Geico Skytyper pilot and marketing officer.

During my ride, the Skytyper flew between 130-140 mph. Kapur said the fleet will rev up to 180 mph for the Air Show.

Skytypers are known for tight formations such as Delta, Eschelon and Vertical Diamond while simultaneously puffing smoke to spell words and create shapes in the sky -- much like a typewriter.

Here's footage from my time in the Skytyper. Forgive me my shakes - cockpits weren't made for tripods.